The best leather sofas adhere to the ABCs of great seating: agnostic design, beautiful texture, and classic silhouettes. Generally, genuine leather is lauded for its durability and longevity—it’s only going to look better with age and some patina. The fabric also makes a wildly comfy, easy-to-clean surface where dirt and dust can be wiped away with a cloth.

If you’re on the search for a new sofa that radiates sophistication (and not just single energy), there are a bounty of leather options at every price point, whether you prefer the softness of suede or the supple, lived-in feel of top-grain leather. Ahead, we gathered our favorite leather couches available online, from small-space designs to larger sectionals that will become the anchor for your future hangouts.

We also included a few wish-list-worthy collectible pieces from midcentury-modern makers like Tobia Scarpa and de Sede, in case contemporary silhouettes don’t quite measure up to the look you’re going for. Below, some of the most handsome leather styles on our wishlist.

Our Top Picks for the Best Leather Sofas:

• Best Leather Sofa, Overall: Castlery Jonathan Leather Extended Sofa, $4,646 $3,819
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: Article Cigar Leather Sofa, $2,299
• Best Design Classic: Percival Lafer 1970s Brazilian Leather Sofa, $5,595
• Best for Small Spaces: CB2 Serafin Leather Daybed, $2,299
• Best for Reclining: West Elm Harmony Leather Sofa, $3,679
• Best Splurge-y Sofa: Design Within Reach Pastille Sofa, $10,095

Castlery Jonathan top-grain leather sofa is overstuffed, inviting, and supportive—the holy trinity of comfort. We love the inviting modular design that’s perfect for kicking your feet up on the nearby coffee table or simply lounging around in your modern living space. Rachel Fletcher, AD commerce director, has had the Castlery’s Jonathan sectional since 2022 and still gives it an A. The sofa is streamlined—it’s legless look resembles a seat you might find at one of those dine-in theaters. It’s overstuffed and inviting, but still supportive. Contributor Sarah Madaus said it was so comfortable, she asked her partner to cook dinner so she could keep sitting in it. Choose from caramel or warm taupe colorways—or maybe get both, one for the living room and one for the den.

If you’re into the look of midcentury sofas but want something a touch more modern, this mixed-media design may scratch that itch. Iron legs anchor an oak panel base that houses a top-grain leather construction. The legs even have built-in protectors to keep your floors scratch-free.

You won’t regret getting the Article Cigar leather sofa, which has the “soft buttery” rawhide tan texture of a baseball glove, but the rounded curves of a marshmallow. The leather upholstery is made to look like suede, for a soft brushed effect. And if you want to kick your feet up when sinking into this sofa, there’s even a matching leather ottoman to pair with it.

West Elm knows how to tug at our heartstrings, and the Laurent two-piece Bumper sofa is definitely on our fantasy seating list. The Art Deco–inspired silhouette with solid wood legs fits just as well in a more casual loft space as it does in a lush parlor room designed for maximum foot traffic. While the matte finish leather feels a bit waxy at first, it’s made to age (and soften) gracefully. If you’re looking for a leather sofa to plop into, this might not be the right choice as the seat firmness ranks 4 out of 5, with 5 being the firmest.

This is a fun one. If you’ve got a room full of textures, colors, and far too few spots to park your bottom, consider this chic tufted pick. It comes in five rich colors (including a neat sage green), and the leather has been treated to be water- and stain-resistant in case this creamy hue has you nervous about spills.

Heirloom may not be the word that comes to mind when thinking of leather couches, but the Afra & Tobia Scarpa Bastiano sofa might just fit the verbiage. It was originally designed for Knoll by the esteemed Italian architect and his wife. The chocolate-hued leather cushions fit perfectly into the rosewood frame that emphasizes the sofa’s angular geometric structure. We’re picturing it right at home in a wood-paneled sunroom, surrounded by plenty of plants.

Talk about an investment piece for lounging in style. The seat on this DWR sofa is low, but not so low that you feel like you’re inches from the floor. We appreciate the thoughtful details such as topstitching that was not overlooked by Hlynur Atlason, the Icelandic-born designer who created thePastille sofa exclusively for the brand. It comes in 12 leather colorways that include neutrals like the more traditional cognac to the more design-forward rouge and olive. For a smaller footprint, opt for the 80-inch-wide loveseat.

Dubbed West Elm’s “most comfortable sofa ever,” this deep-seated model is a durable and modern sofa design that even comes in your choice of genuine or vegan leather. The ultra-plush pillows on the arms also lend an especially inviting feel.

Solid-wood peg legs give this sofa a semi-midcentury flair—a great style choice if you want something that will grow with you from home to home. Tiny details like double-stitched seams and waxed Italian-tanned leather give it staying power. It may not be a couch you’ll want to spend night after night snoozing on, but it will serve your reading sessions very well.

Just because you’re working with a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a “serious couch.” Designed for CB2 by Adam Rogers, the chunky, hardwood base is a total showstopper. This is the kind of sofa that will become an heirloom object—just keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

The Percival Lafer Brazilian leather sofa is something out of a posh Airbnb. Bring home the 1970s aesthetic with its rich coffee-hued leather and cushions you’ll want to sink into. The leather sofa will definitely make a statement with its geometric silhouette that makes us think of stacked chocolate bars. Sweet and contemporary indeed.

It’s no secret that AD editors love Quince bedding, but we also have a sweet spot for this Italian genuine leather couch. The midcentury design is simple, but not boring. With a tufted seat and two bolster pillows, the style suits any interior. Add to that three layers of high-density foam and removable cushions which won’t make you feel like you’re sitting on springs. Solid ash wood legs complete the MCM look.

We think this splurgy Kelston Collection design is worth making the focal point of your home decor. Its unique headrests are adjustable to your preferred angle and can also fold away when not in use. Plus, don’t you just want to collapse into the warm embrace of those oversized cushions?

Available in two stylish brown leathers, this low-profile three-seater is a dreamy lounge piece thanks to supremely comfy padding supported by a solid wood frame.

Personality is one thing that this vintage de Sede leather couch has no shortage of. Just looking at it makes us want to drape ourselves over the U-shaped frame. Manufactured in Switzerland, the style is all about capturing mid-20th-century craftsmanship that lends itself to comfort. Retro vibes are not to be overlooked.

You can just tell that some pieces of furniture will get better with age, which is our prediction for this channeled design with a hardwood frame that will instantly upgrade any living room into an ultra-cozy space. Can someone say “library vibes”?

Anthropologie’s Willoughby sofa is the ideal balance for people who like leather material but don’t want to sacrifice adding color to their space. The stout maple legs, gold detailing, and cushioned silhouette give this couch an antique look that would pair especially nicely with an eclectic decor style.

And for those who love the classic look of leather, this vegan faux-leather sofa from Albany Park is the real deal: stylish, comfortable, and designed to easily maneuver through tight spaces.

A classic silhouette available in a variety of sizes depending on your needs, this couch from staple furniture retailer Pottery Barn looks plush and has that perfectly-worn-in soft leather look. Get it with or without nailheads, depending on the look you’re going for.

There’s a little bit of a retro vibe about the rounded chaise on this design. Deep seats offer up a sink-in feel that’s still easy to pull yourself out of (if you really have to). Made of top-grain leather on top of stainless-steel legs, it’s a great option for larger rooms.

When we think of highly customizable, Burrow’s Nomad leather sofa comes to mind. The brand offers three colors, six types of metal or wood legs, and even has an armrest shape selection to help you build a bespoke creation. Our tester, AD contributor Terri Williams tried the camel-colored leather with metal legs. Williams praised the high-end topstitching on the upholstery and the layers of foam in the seat and back cushions, as well as the sofa’s versatility.

This couch is truly something borrowed and something new for those that like their furniture to have a little backstory. The Replay sofa is a redesigned homage to EQ3’s 2002 iconic collection. This 2018-introduced reimaging includes high-density foam and feather fill with a flexible back frame. Each EQ3 Replay sofa is custom-made and available in over 130 fabrics or leathers, in addition to a wide selection of sectional configurations.

Not too big, not too small: Consider this leather loveseat the ideal lounger for your small space. The lack of arms give it a relaxed feel, but the materials and colors keep it looking classy and refined.

Leather Couch FAQs

Why you should buy a leather couch

For one, leather couches are durable as hell. Leather is said to last four times longer than a fabric sofa, not to mention the patina of aged leather is currently in vogue. It’s worth it: Durable leather furniture is going to stick with you for the long run. Plus, leather is hypoallergenic. Whatever type of leather you choose, no open fibers means no catching and holding dust or other allergens. (Take that, pet hair!)

How to take care of a leather couch

Dust your leather couch with a dry cloth regularly. You’ll also want to invest in a nice leather conditioner as well. You’ll probably want to apply this to your furniture monthly to help maintain its quality and prevent cracks, stains, and any other imperfections from worsening. Read our explainer on how to clean leather furniture if you want to learn more ways to maintain your shiny new leather sofa.

What are the different kinds of leather?

Believe it or not, there are many categories of leather. Full grain describes the most authentic version of the material—only the animal hair has been removed from the hide and has been naturally dyed. This type of leather is a bit tough at first, but it wears into a deliciously soft material after time. Top-grain leather is a popular option, as it’s been buffed to have a softer look (and feel) from the first sit. Split grain is a less expensive construction, as the first layer of leather has been removed. Bonded leather is another one you’ll see out there; it’s made from scraps of other projects and connected with an adhesive. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get that leather look and smell—it’s a great material for all budgets.